Your Pet is Welcome in the Ludington Area!

We love our pets, and more of us are bringing them along when we travel. With all the wide open space here in the West Michigan area, your dog or cat should feel right at home. But where are specific places that welcome your furry friend? Here's a list to get you started.

Walking Your Pet

Ludington's only Dog Park, Central Bark, is located within Cartier Park, accessible from north Rath Avenue.

Loomis Street Boat Ramp

At the end of Ludington Avenue, the Loomis Street Boat Ramp has a small beach area where pets are welcome to roam. They are not allowed on Stearns Beach at any time, but can still experience the fun of splashing in Lake Michigan. They can be off leash here also. This area is a short walk from downtown and many local motels.

Local Advertisement

Cartier Park Walk Path

This beautiful 10 foot wide paved path, located at the corner of Bryant Rd. and North Rath Avenue, winds around the perimeter of the park and meanders through the woods. A gazebo near the Lincoln Lake offers a place to rest and admire the surroundings. Your dog will love the hilly path, and it is plowed in the winter.

There are 3,000 acres here for your pet to roam, as long as he's on a 6' leash (or shorter), cleaned up after, and current with shots. Dogs are not allowed in park buildings or swim beaches, but are welcome in the campgrounds and hiking trails (see "Public Beaches" above). There is an area called Sargent Sand Lake along Piney Ridge Road that is not an actual beach--but it is on State Park property and dogs are allowed in the water there. They can also go into the water at Lost Lake, north of Beechwood Campground, and the sandy shoreline on the south side and to the east of the dam. At no time should your dog be left unattended.

Mason County Park, near the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant, has three courses: Beauty, Beast, and Goliath. Right off Jebavy Drive is Leviathan, which is actually two courses. All five welcome your dog to romp and play (and maybe catch your disc!). No leash is required, but you must clean up after them.

Pets are welcome on a leash at these parks, as long as you clean up after them, and keep them from disturbing other people.

Pentwater

Feel free to bring your dog to the Civic Band Concerts Thursdays from 8-9pm during the summer months on the Village Green. They'll have plenty of company, as many people bring their pets for the fresh air and great music.

These Restaurants/Markets in Downtown Ludington Welcome Your Pet

Other Pet-Friendly Places

Historic White Pine Village
This local attraction is dedicated to preserving Mason County's rich history, and they welcome well-behaved dogs on a leash, and of course, cleaned up after. Families and their pets will enjoy the quiet surroundings, and you can all pick up a snack at the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor!

Lake Michigan Carferry (S.S. Badger) also allows pets on board, but must remain in crate in cargo area or in owner's vehicle.

Local Support for Pets and Pet Owners

Mason County is lucky to have numerous organizations that are dedicated to finding homes for stray animals, caring for animals, and supporting pet owners. Learn more here.